Exploring the stigmatization of energy efficiency in the UK : an emerging research agenda
Abstract
Energy efficiency technology is widely accepted as a positive step to improve the comfort of homes whilst simultaneously reducing harmful carbon emissions. There is a convincing case that more widespread adoption of energy efficiency technology is required, yet paradoxically, the identification of households as being in need of assistance to do so, may, we argue, be stigmatizing. Recent literature has begun to explore the role of stigma in domestic energy-saving practices but such scholarship is restricted beyond a few studies. In this exploratory paper we respond to calls for social scientists to engage with energy research, and redress this neglect by outlining the nature of the relationship between energy efficiency and stigma. We also seek to develop an emerging research agenda, which draws theoretical influence from Sociology and Housing Studies.
Citation
Reid , L A , McKee , K & Crawford , J 2015 , ' Exploring the stigmatization of energy efficiency in the UK : an emerging research agenda ' , Energy Research and Social Science , vol. 10 , pp. 141-149 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2015.07.010
Publication
Energy Research and Social Science
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
2214-6296Type
Journal article
Rights
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This work is made available online in accordance with the publisher’s policies. This is the author created, accepted version manuscript following peer review and may differ slightly from the final published version. The final published version of this work is available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2015.07.010
Description
The lead author was supported by the Economic and Social Research Council [grant number ES/K009516/1].Collections
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